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Photography

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Photography

The Photography program provides students the opportunity to prepare for entry level positions as press photographers, photojournalists, portrait photographers, freelance photographers, editorial photographers, photo-lab technicians, and positions in other career fields that utilize photography techniques. Students may also pursue transfer to a university program to further their study of photography.



Students planning to prepare for a four-year degree in Photography should consult the lower division requirements of the university to which they plan to transfer.



Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, and graphic arts.



Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies) digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 210 Photography Business (3) 3
   or PHOTO 212 Marketing & Self-Promotion for Photographers (3)
PHOTO 280 Portfolio Development I 2 -4
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3) 3
   or JOUR 360 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 380 Digital Video Editing and Production (3) 3
   or JOUR 364 Digital Video Editing and Production (3)
PHOTO 393 Lighting I 3 -4
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3) 3
   or PHOTO 410 Advanced Digital Imaging (3)
Total Units: 23 - 26

The Photography Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe technical and aesthetic qualities of successful photographs.
  • produce photographs using various camera and digital methods.
  • demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as they apply to photography.
  • produce photographs using photographic papers and various digital media outputs.
  • describe successful working relationships with clients and subjects.
  • survey history, careers, styles, and trends in professional photography.
  • develop pre-production shoot and planning methods.
  • execute shoot production in both the studio and on location.
  • demonstrate post production technical and creative solutions.
  • develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.
  • develop a small business plan and organizational structure.

Career Information

Career Opportunities include Studio Photography; Portrait & Wedding Photography; Photographic Lab Technician; Photojournalism; Industrial or Architectural Photography.

Certificates of Achievement

Career Photography I Certificate

The Career Photography I certificate will provide photographic skills, visual aesthetics, and small business foundations to establish a business in portraiture, wedding and commercial photography or work as a photographer or manager in a larger studio.



Students will begin to develop a personal photographic style and portfolio around portraiture, wedding, or commercial photography to help them secure clients upon leaving the program.



Areas covered include portraiture, weddings, event, magazine, food and beverage photography in both studio and on location. Students will learn techniques to pose subjects, work with models and clients, use strobe equipment and available lighting techniques, work with professionals in the field, and design their own portfolios. Business strategies, self-promotion, and work-flow methods will also be covered.



Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, and graphic arts.



Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies), digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 210 Photography Business 3
PHOTO 212 Marketing & Self-Promotion for Photographers 3
PHOTO 280 Portfolio Development I 2 -4
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 380 Digital Video Editing and Production (3) 3
   or JOUR 364 Digital Video Editing and Production (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 61
PHOTO 266 California Coastal Photography (2)
PHOTO 267 California Urban Photography (2)
PHOTO 268 California Mountain Photography (2)
PHOTO 269 California Desert Photography (2)
PHOTO 281 Portfolio Development II (2 - 4)
PHOTO 282 Portfolio Development III (2 - 4)
PHOTO 341 Aerial Photography-Remote System (3)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 381 Multimedia Capture II (3)
   or JOUR 365 Multimedia Capture II (3)
PHOTO 393 Lighting I (3 - 4)
PHOTO 394 Lighting II (3 - 4)
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3)
PHOTO 402 Adobe Lightroom (3)
PHOTO 410 Advanced Digital Imaging (3)
Total Units: 23 - 25

1Choose any course not used from the previous list.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate advanced camera functions with stills and video and techniques associated with their use.
  • demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as these apply to photography.
  • execute a wide range of technical and creative lighting solutions.
  • develop and expand a personal style with pre visualization conceptualization skills.
  • compare and differentiate career options, styles, and trends in professional portraiture and wedding photography.
  • develop a small business plan and organizational structure.
  • develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.
  • demonstrate post-production technical and creative solutions for wedding packages.

Career Information

Career opportunities include wedding or portrait photographer, commercial photographer, studio assistant, studio photographer, freelance photographer, or lab manager.


Career Photography II Certificate

The Career Photography II certificate will provide additional photographic skills, visual aesthetics, and small business foundations to establish a business in portraiture, wedding and commercial photography with an emphasis on the development a professional portfolio.



Students will further their development of a personal photographic style and portfolio around the portraiture, wedding, or commercial photography to help them secure clients upon leaving the program.



Areas covered include portraiture, weddings, event, magazine, food, and beverage photography in both studio and on location. Students will learn techniques to pose subjects, work with models and clients, use strobe equipment and available lighting techniques, work with professionals in the field, and design their own portfolios and photography website. Business strategies, self-promotion, and work-flow methods will also be covered.





Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, and graphic arts.



Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies) digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 210 Photography Business 3
PHOTO 212 Marketing & Self-Promotion for Photographers 3
PHOTO 280 Portfolio Development I 2 -4
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 380 Digital Video Editing and Production (3) 3
   or JOUR 364 Digital Video Editing and Production (3)
PHOTO 393 Lighting I 3 -4
PHOTO 402 Adobe Lightroom 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 61
PHOTO 266 California Coastal Photography (2)
PHOTO 267 California Urban Photography (2)
PHOTO 268 California Mountain Photography (2)
PHOTO 269 California Desert Photography (2)
PHOTO 281 Portfolio Development II (2 - 4)
PHOTO 282 Portfolio Development III (2 - 4)
PHOTO 341 Aerial Photography-Remote System (3)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 381 Multimedia Capture II (3)
   or JOUR 365 Multimedia Capture II (3)
PHOTO 394 Lighting II (3 - 4)
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3)
PHOTO 410 Advanced Digital Imaging (3)
Total Units: 29 - 32

1Choose any course not used from the previous list.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate advanced camera functions with stills and video and techniques associated with their use.
  • demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as they apply to photography.
  • execute a wide range of technical and creative lighting solutions.
  • develop and expand a personal style with pre visualization conceptualization skills.
  • apply shooting production skills in both the studio and on location.
  • develop a small business plan and organizational structure.
  • develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.

Career Information

Career opportunities include wedding or portrait photographer, commercial Photographer, studio assistant, studio photographer, freelance photographer, or lab manager.


Photography Certificate

The photography certificate program is designed for students who want to enter a career path in photography or learn basic photographic skills to enhance their current vocation.



Recommended High School Preparation: Students should take courses in art, English, journalism, basic photography, graphic arts.



Costs: In addition to the normal student expenses (for textbooks, personal equipment, and supplies) digital print materials fees may be required. These fees may vary each semester. If these fees create a financial burden, students should consult the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
PHOTO 210 Photography Business (3) 3
   or PHOTO 212 Marketing & Self-Promotion for Photographers (3)
PHOTO 280 Portfolio Development I 2 -4
PHOTO 302 Beginning Digital Photography 3
PHOTO 312 Intermediate Digital Photography 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 61
PHOTO 210 Photography Business (3)
PHOTO 212 Marketing & Self-Promotion for Photographers (3)
PHOTO 266 California Coastal Photography (2)
PHOTO 267 California Urban Photography (2)
PHOTO 268 California Mountain Photography (2)
PHOTO 269 California Desert Photography (2)
PHOTO 281 Portfolio Development II (2 - 4)
PHOTO 341 Aerial Photography-Remote System (3)
PHOTO 350 Photojournalism (3)
   or JOUR 360 Photojournalism (3)
PHOTO 380 Digital Video Editing and Production (3)
PHOTO 393 Lighting I (3 - 4)
PHOTO 400 Digital Imaging (3)
PHOTO 402 Adobe Lightroom (3)
PHOTO 410 Advanced Digital Imaging (3)
Total Units: 17 - 19

1Choose any course not used from the previous list.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • produce photographs using various camera, film, and digital methods.
  • demonstrate a thorough knowledge of current computer software and digital imaging skills as they apply to photography.
  • produce photographs using photographic papers and various digital media outputs.
  • execute a wide range of digital darkroom techniques and processes.
  • develop a marketing plan, materials, and support process.
  • develop a small business plan and organizational structure.

Career Information

Career opportunities include photography lab work, photography lab management, and photographer's assistant.